Effectiveness of a combination denture-cleaning method versus a mechanical method: comparison of denture cleanliness, patient satisfaction, and oral health-related quality of life

Abstract

Purpose: Effective denture plaque control is necessary in elderly individuals to prevent oral and systemic diseases. However, comparative studies of denture cleaning methods are limited, especially those investigating patient satisfaction. The present study aimed to evaluate effectiveness of a mechanical denture cleaning method versus a combination of mechanical and chemical methods in terms of denture cleanliness, patient satisfaction, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).

Methods: Thirty edentulous participants were allocated to one of two groups: mechanical or combination method. The mechanical method group was instructed to brush dentures after each meal for 2 min using tap water and a denture brush, and to soak them in saline solution while sleeping. The combination method group was instructed to brush dentures the same way, but to soak them in denture cleansers while sleeping. Both groups cleaned their dentures according to the respective method for 3 weeks. Denture cleanliness, patient satisfaction, and OHRQoL were examined.

Results: There were significant differences in adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence (p = 0.00003), staining (p = 0.003), and Candida albicans (C. albicans) abundance in upper complete dentures (p = 0.002) between methods. There were no significant differences in oral mucosa C. albicans abundance, participant satisfaction, ease of cleaning, comfort, esthetics, or Oral Health Impact Profile for edentulous patients (Japanese version) scores between methods.

Conclusions: A combination of mechanical and chemical denture cleaning methods was more effective at cleaning dentures than the mechanical method alone. Even if denture cleaning improves denture hygiene, it may not increase patient satisfaction or OHRQoL.